11 Alturiak, 1502 D.R.

I confess, after my last adventures, I took on this contract with trepidation rather than hope. In fact, were it not for a sense of duty that compelled me to finish a job left incomplete, I may have passed it up entirely. I may, in fact, have elected to cut my ties with the Syndicate and find another means of accomplishing my goals, for mercenary work has ill befit me.

Let this stand as a lesson in perseverance. Myself, Bri, Solia, Thompson, and Sylthas ventured forth to finish the job we had started weeks ago, with the goblins of the Axebiter Clan. We were given directions by the prisoner we took from the ill-fated initial skirmish, and soon encountered a patrol. We were better prepared this time, thanks in large part to Solia and her canine companion Briarfael, and we struck down many goblins and their wargs -- as well as a great Ogre -- at minimal cost. Bri was clever enough to capture their strange wizard, who was himself clever enough to surrender, and he proved a surprisingly valuable source of further information.

Armed with this information, we proceeded to the cave that was the local Axebiter stronghold. Despite Solia's unfortunate encounter with a beartrap, we eliminated the guards outside before they could raise an alarm, and continued inside.

Within the cave were many traps, whose locations our prisoner could not recall. We formed up admirably and employed tactical positioning and use of terrain, and engaged the enemy at range. The enemy force included not only goblins but bugbears and hobgoblins, which I have seldom heard of working together in harmony. The fight was bitter, and taxed us all greatly, but we were able to slay the leaders and finish their minions without casualty (save for Briarfael, but I understand she will return unharmed in time).

Within the cave, navigating many pitfalls, we uncovered much that is disconcerting. Most notable was a battle map, which laid out numerous force positions of which we had been unaware. This tribe has, it seems, been at war with Orcs, and the Zhentarim, Harpers, and Emerald Enclave all had their own marks upon that map.

Our neighbors, it seems, are restless. But I am undeterred. This successful battle against a superior, dug-in force has restored my faith -- in my comrades, in my choice of paths, and in my own prowess. Whatever the forces arrayed against us, I am confident we shall make our own mark, in bold print indeed.

-- Yashir adh Rumahr

More goblins to burn. there was something about previous people being ambushed so we were good on that front. we made sure to scout, and by we i mean Solia. we then got to burn a bunch more goblins